Finland sends rescue service vehicles and equipment to Ukraine

Finland will send fire engines, an ambulance, a tanker truck and equipment needed for rescue operations to Ukraine on Friday 17 February. These vehicles and equipment were donated by the Rescue Departments of Central Uusimaa and Pirkanmaa. Assistance will be delivered to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The consignment to be sent from Finland to Ukraine on Friday includes an ambulance, a tanker truck and a fire engine donated by the Rescue Department of Central Uusimaa and two fire engines donated by the Rescue Department of Pirkanmaa. The vehicles to be donated are not in active use but they are in working order and have been serviced.

“In the midst of the war, the rescue services play an important role in protecting the civilian population. First responders work in challenging conditions in Ukraine and need functional equipment. Finland has provided Ukraine with rescue service supplies and other civilian material assistance since the beginning of the war. I would like to thank everyone who has made donations, and I hope that people’s willingness to help will remain strong,” says Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen. 

In addition to vehicles, firefighter’s outfits, generators, foam making equipment, hoses and other rescue equipment will also be sent to Ukraine.

Need for assistance remains high in Ukraine

Finland has supported Ukraine with civilian material assistance since March 2022. Finland has previously sent, for example, emergency shelters, medicines, healthcare supplies, rescue service equipment and energy equipment to Ukraine. Several rescue departments and contract fire brigades across Finland have made donations related to rescue equipment and supplies to Ukraine during the year.

The Ministry of the Interior coordinates the civilian material assistance provided by Finland to Ukraine through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, which is under the responsibility of the European Commission. Several sets of donations are currently being prepared. 

The civilian material assistance provided by Finland mainly consists of donations by businesses and public administration. The most effective way for private individuals to help is by donating money to aid organisations.

Inquiries:
Heikki Honkanen, Senior Coordinator, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 295 488 565, heikki.honkanen@govsec.fi 
Mikko Jalo, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Interior, tel. +358 50 304 8522, mikko.jalo@gov.fi
Teemu Göös, Fire Chief, Rescue Department of Central Uusimaa, teemu.goos@vakehyva.fi, tel.teemu.goos@vakehyva.fi, tel. +358 40 544 2767
Matti Isotalo, Rescue Chief, Rescue Department of Pirkanmaa, tel. +358 400 200 088